Before you request time off from work or start looking into flights to Belize, you’ll want to know when the best time to travel to Placencia, Belize is. While the ideal time for your trip may vary a little depending on your interests and budget, the below factors are the biggest things to take into consideration.

When is the best time of year to travel to Placencia?

Belize has two seasons: the wet season and the dry season. The wet season runs from July to November, with heavy rains that fall mostly at night. The dry season runs from February to June, with February – May offering the most moderate temperatures. However, if you can’t make “on season” work for you, don’t despair. August and September offer great opportunities for fishing, snorkeling and diving. November through May are the busiest tourist months, and things slow down a little in the summer but you’ll still find plenty of opportunities for adventure!  September and October are less busy and often less expensive.

What is on the event calendar for Placencia, Belize?

Placencia is a bustling village with plenty on the go, and you’ll find something on the event calendar almost all year long. February brings the Sidewalk Arts Festival, with beautiful handmade creations from paintings to carvings.  July is home to the Placencia Lobsterfest, a huge beach party with music, games and fresh seafood. October brings out the Halloween celebrations and festivities, with revellers often gathering at Barefoot Bar. December has runners competing in the End of the World Marathon and the annual Mistletoe Ball.

When are the major holidays in Placencia, Belize?

Belize is no slouch when it comes to national holidays. The first is New Year’s on January 1, when everything is closed post NYE celebrations. March 9 brings Baron Bliss Day, a day that commemorates a German financier who left Belize with a huge endowment. Holy Thursday through Easter Monday are a major event, with everything shutting down in celebration and worship. May 1 is Labor Day, followed not long after by Commonwealth Day on May 24. September is essentially a month-long holiday, with St. George’s Cay Day on September 10 celebrating a British victory over a Spanish Armada, and Independence Day on September 21 celebrating Belize’s 1981 nationhood. The celebrations continue for the whole 11 days, and often longer. October 12 is Columbus Day, while Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19 offers cultural parades, dancing, live drumming and more. Christmas Day and Boxing Day on the 25^th and 26^th of December round out the year.

Take note of the weather, major holidays and events when timing your trip to Placencia, Belize, and you’ll be able to plan the ideal trip for you.